Can I admit something? I had only cooked beans from scratch once before testing this recipe. And that’s because I don’t usually make dinner hours ahead of time or a lot of food to freeze for later.
However, I recognize the merit in cooking your own beans from scratch. As an example, a lot of canned foods are high in salt and often have additives and preservatives (like BPA) that are bad for you in large amounts. Cooking your own beans is also a lot cheaper than buying them in a can, so its a much better value.
Plus, these pinto beans are seriously simple (just 10 ingredients and 1 pot required). And you don’t have to do anything during the prep time—the soaking and cooking happen while you do other things. If I can do it, you can do it. Let me show you how!.
Pinto beans are a versatile base for countless savory dishes. Their mild flavor absorbs surrounding ingredients beautifully. But plain pinto beans can also end up bland without the right seasoning. Learning how to boost flavor when cooking pinto beans opens up possibilities for creating richer more delicious meals.
This guide covers simple techniques to coax the most flavor out of dried or canned pintos. Read on for seasoning ideas, recipe inspiration, and tips to add intrigue to every pot of pinto beans.
Season During Cooking
The first step for infusing flavor into pinto beans is seasoning them while they cook. Basic salt and pepper should be added early on. Consider tossing in a bay leaf garlic onions, or other aromatics into the cooking liquid.
Spices like cumin, chili powder, and cayenne mix in well during simmering. Stirring in chicken or vegetable broth instead of plain water adds savory notes. Acidic components like tomato or lemon juice help brighten flavor.
Sauté Aromatics
Sautéing onion, garlic, peppers, and spices before adding liquid builds a flavor base Caramelizing the vegetables and blooming dry spices in oil instills depth.
Deglaze the pan with broth or water after sautéing. Pour the liquid into the beans to transfer concentrated essence. Sautéed aromatics or pieces of cooked meat also add interest when combined with beans.
Use Smoked Meat
Smoky meats infuse irresistible flavor during simmering. Ham hocks, bacon, smoked turkey legs, andouille sausage, or smoked pork chops each impart deep smoky notes as they cook along with beans.
Remove meats after cooking and dice or shred to stir back into beans. The rendered fat from these meats also enhances mouthfeel and flavor.
Finish with Herbs and Acid
Fresh herbs and acid components mix in brightness at the end. Stir in chopped cilantro, scallions, lime juice, red wine vinegar, or salsa once beans are cooked. This adds zing and prevents the herbs from losing potency during extended cooking.
Mash Some Beans
Mashing a portion of the cooked beans right in the pot thickens the cooking liquid into a creamy gravy-like consistency while also releasing more flavor. Mash up to one third of beans before serving.
Layer Flavors By Dish
Pinto beans shine when used as an ingredient in composed dishes. Building flavor in layers is key. Make pinto bean soup with a smoky ham bone, spicy sautéed peppers and chunky vegetables.
Stuff pinto beans into tacos layered with cool lettuce, tangy cheese, lime crema, and other toppings. The beans absorb surrounding flavors.
Use Quick-Cooking Cheats
Canned beans provide a shortcut, needing only quick seasoning. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices in oil, then add beans and liquid from the can. Season with salt, pepper, herbs and acid components like lime juice or hot sauce.
Or puree canned beans with broth for an instant pot of flavorful bean dip to spice up with chili powder, pepper flakes, cumin or other favorite spices.
Sample Seasoning Combinations
Try these blend ideas to liven up pintos:
- Chili powder, cumin, garlic, oregano, cayenne
- Smoked paprika, garlic, cilantro, lime
- Bacon, onion, brown sugar, mustard
- Poblano peppers, cumin, cilantro
- Ham hock, mustard, Worcestershire
- Jalapeño, onion, tomato, cumin
The options for seasoning pinto beans are unlimited. Adjust to suit your preferences. Balance rich ingredients with bright accents. Layer in complexity or add heat. With the right combination of flavors, humble pintos become the star of any meal.
Full-Flavored Pinto Bean Recipes
Here are some flavor-packed pinto bean dishes to try:
Smoky Chipotle Pinto Beans
- Pinto beans
- Diced onions
- Garlic
- Smoked ham hock
- Chicken broth
- Chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
Simmer beans and aromatics with ham hock and adobo sauce for smoky spicy flavor. Finish with lime and cilantro.
Pinto Bean and Greens Soup
- Pinto beans
- Onion, celery, carrots
- Garlic, smoked paprika
- Chicken or veggie broth
- Greens like kale or collards
- Bacon or ham
- Hot sauce or pepper flakes
Sauté veggies and seasonings. Add broth, beans, and greens. Top with crispy bacon or ham. Sprinkle with hot sauce.
Cumin Lime Pinto Bean Salad
- Pinto beans
- Diced red onion
- Bell pepper
- Corn kernels
- Lime juice and zest
- Olive oil
- Cumin, cayenne
- Cilantro
Toss beans, veggies, and seasonings together. Chill before serving for bright, spicy bean salad.
Pinto Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
- Pinto beans
- Onion, garlic, jalapeño
- Cumin, oregano
- Monterey jack cheese
- Tortillas
- Cilantro, hot sauce
Sauté bean mixture. Assemble quesadillas with cheese and bean mix. Add hot sauce and cilantro after cooking.
Discover Your Signature Pinto Bean Flavor
The ideal pinto bean seasoning is personal to your taste. Start with a basic recipe, then add your own flair. Keep tasting as you adjust seasoning during cooking. Soon you’ll create a go-to pinto bean flavor combination that makes this versatile ingredient truly shine.
More Beans From Scratch Recipes
If you give this recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag a picture #minimalistbaker on Instagram. We’d love to see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!
How Long to Cook Pinto Beans
How long it takes to cook pinto beans depends on how fresh they are and how long you soak them. Beans that are old may have difficulty softening and require longer to cook. Also, the longer your beans have had to soak, the more quickly they will cook.
After being soaked for 6 to 8 hours, pinto beans take about 40 to 50 minutes at a low heat to cook all the way through.
You can use an Instant Pot to make this recipe faster if you want to. We recommend using this recipe as a guide for timing.
It’s also rumored that salting beans before cooking prevents them from softening. We’ve never had this problem, and we’ve read that people who live high up may have it more often.
Southern Style Pinto Beans: How to Cook Them Like a Pro
FAQ
What is the best way to season pinto beans?
How can I make my beans more flavorful?
What is the best seasoning for beans?
How do you flavor pinto beans?
Here are a few more ideas for flavoring this pinto beans recipe: Add sauteed chopped bacon to the pot. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons liquid from a can of chipotle chilis in adobo for smoky heat. Add a few pinches red pepper flakes for a zing. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons tomato paste for a tangy, full-bodied sauce.
Are pinto beans healthy?
Pinto beans are extremely nutritious. They are primarily composed of carbohydrates, protein and fiber. In particular, they boast plenty of thiamine, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids are present in pinto beans which protect the cells against damage free radicles. Kaempferol present in pinto beans may provide anticancer benefits.
How do you eat pinto beans?
Here are a few of the many ways to serve them: As a side dish with Chicken Enchiladas or Tacos. In a burrito or Burrito Bowl. Use them in your favorite recipes that call for cooked pinto beans, like Chili, Slow Cooker Taco Soup and Vegetarian Chili Mac. Turn them into Refried Beans.
What can you add to pinto beans?
Chilis: If you’re a spice lover, try adding ancho, chipotle, or pasilla chiles during the cooking process to infuse the pinto beans with spicy, aromatic notes. Vegetables: For savory, umami flavors, you can add garlic, onion, celery, or carrots to the pot. I recommend sautéeing them first to help bring out their flavors.